An association of elk and deer breeders committed to the

development of their herds and the cervid industry in the state.

What is the KCBA?

• The Kansas Cervid Breeders Association represents elk and deer breeders in Kansas.

• Founded in 1995. • The KCBA is guided by a 5 member board of

directors. • Produces quarterly newsletters for membership. • Works with Kansas state agencies and other

livestock and cervid associations across North America.

• The KCBA’s breeders raise elk, whitetail deer, sika deer, fallow deer, and red deer.

Elk

Whitetail Deer

Fallow Deer

Sika Deer

What is a cervid?

• A cervid is any member of the deer family.

• This includes moose, elk, and all other deer species.

• Cervids grow and shed antlers every year.

Who raises elk and deer?

• Kansas has been a home to domestic elk and deer since the 1980’s.

• There are approximately 80 cervid ranches in Kansas.

• Ranch’s herd size range from 10 to 400 head.

• Cervid ranches are all over state but mostly concentrated in the eastern half.

• Cervid ranches provide sole income for many Kansans.

Why raise elk and deer?

• Elk and deer are profitable in several markets.

• Breeding domestic elk and deer is just like breeding cattle or any other livestock.

• Elk and deer give opportunity for ranchers to try something a little different.

• Elk and deer can be raised on land that could not otherwise be utilized.

• Cervids are considered domestic livestock in Kansas and most states. (KSA 47-2101)

Markets

• Meat markets

– There is a widely growing demand for elk and deer meat, especially elk.

– Elk meat is very lean, high in protein, low in cholesterol

– Elk meat has doubled in value since 2008.

– Current meat prices ranch from $3.30-$4.50 for elk on the rail.

– Elk meat is commonly sold at farmer’s markets and restaurants.

– This provides a viable path for cull animals.

Markets

• Trophy bulls/ trophy bucks

– There is a popular market for trophy elk bulls and trophy bucks sold to fair chase game ranches.

– Domestic breeders are able to produce large bulls and bucks due to superior genetics.

– Game ranches range in size and are commonly several thousand acres.

Markets

• Velvet

– Elk antlers are valuable for velvet antler.

– Velvet is harvested by cutting off antlers in late spring and early summer.

– Antlers grow back every year.

– Velvet is sold to Asian markets and used for medicine.

– Velvet is used to relive arthritis

– Currently valued at $30 a pound

– An average elk bull will produce20 pounds of velvet

Markets

• Breeding Stock

– Breeding stock is commonly sold between ranches and at auctions.

– Values vary depending on the quality of genetics.

– Elk cows and does are commonly artificially inseminated.

– Proven elk cows range from $2,000-$5,000 per cow.

– Proven whitetail does range from $1,000-$10,000.

Markets

• Artificial Insemination

– Semen is sold from elk bulls and whitetail bucks.

– Elk semen prices range from $100-$1,000 per straw.

– Whitetail semen prices range from $100- $5,000 per straw.

– Opportunity to improve genetics

– Many Kansas breeders AI their cows and does.

Care

• Cervids usually wormed 2-4 times a year.

• Calves are vaccinated.

• Fed grain, corn, or deer pellet everyday.

• Fed brome hay and alfalfa.

• All animals must have 2 forms of ID- dangle ear tag and metal USDA ear tag.

• Many animals are DNA registered and matched to sire and dam.

Care

• Cervids are allowed to roam in pastures with 8” high perimeter fence.

• Fence guidelines are regulated by KDA.

• Herds are often divided into separate female breeding groups, bulls and calves.

• Elk and deer are managed with squeeze chutes.

Health Testing

• TB accreditation- Herds participating in the TB accredited herd program test every animal every three years.

• Local vets use the skin test.

• Cervid industry has been working with USDA for approval of the TB blood test.

Health Testing

• Voluntary CWD Monitoring Program.

• Many ranches participate as it is required in order to sell animals out of state.

• Every animal is inspected annually by KDA state vet for signs of CWD.

• Every animal that dies in a participating ranch must be tested for CWD.

• Due to USDA budget cuts, these costs are now paid by producer.

CWD

• Chronic Wasting Disease

– CWD positives are very rare. Usually .002% infection rate in most states, many zero.

– CWD has never been proven to harm humans or transfer to any non-cervid animal.

– Many untrue and unproven perceptions regarding links to CWD with farmed cervids in news editorials.

Trophy Ranches

• There are several trophy ranches in Kansas that provide hunters with an opportunity to have a fair chase hunt of an elk or deer.

• Ranches must comply with Kansas Dept of Wildlife & Parks and Kansas Dept of Agriculture's hunting and fence regulations.

• Hunting is a significant source of revenue the for the state.

Future

• The future is bright for cervid farmers as there is a steady and growing demand for farmed elk and deer.

• Organization and education is key.

Challenges

• Unfunded mandates.

• Elimination through regulation.

• Anti-agriculture and anti-hunting groups.

• Inaccurate public information.

Thank You!!

• The KCBA appreciates the opportunity to visit with you.

• Please feel free to attend our association meetings in January 2013 and July 2013.

• Visit the KCBA online at www.kansascervidbreeders.com

• Visit the North American Elk Breeders Association(NAEBA) at www.naelk.org

• Visit the North American Deer Farmers Association(NADeFA) at www.nadefa.org